The first book to show how writers use deception to surprise and, thereby, entertain their audiences. Fictional Deceptions discusses the use of deception in movies, novels and plays from a broad range of genres from romances to thrillers, dramas to mysteries. Designed for writers of all genres of movies, books and plays, as well as for fans of mysteries, novels and movies. More

Audiences always want to be surprised by what happens next. How do writers achieve surprise? By deceiving their audiences. Unfortunately, books on writing only briefly and often only superficially discuss the use of deception, if they discuss it at all. Fictional Deceptions: Using Deception to Baffle, Surprise and Entertain Your Audience is the first book to outline for writers the 7 principles and 10 major techniques of deception with examples from almost every genre of movie, novel, play, and short story, as well as from the deceptive realms of espionage, warfare, magic, and con games. The book discusses common mistakes and how to fix them, and offers questions for writers to consider before using each technique. Fans of mysteries, movies and the study of storytelling will also find Fictional Deceptions interesting and enlightening.

K. Scot Macdonald is the author of five novels and four non-fiction books. His work has appeared in the Writers’ Journal, Funds for Writers, and Animal Wellness, among many other magazines, websites and journals. He earned a degree in psychology and history from the University of British Columbia, a journalism degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and degrees in International Relations from the University of Southern California. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter and spoiled wheaten Scottish terrier.